Fissile Materials – Characteristics, Examples, Uses | New Topic [2024]

In this note, we are going to learn about Fissile Materials, also about its characteristics, examples, and uses as well. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for diploma and degree engineering students.

Author Name: Arun Paul.

What is Fissile Materials?

These are nuclear materials that can withstand a nuclear fission chain reaction. They can capture thermal (slow-moving) neutrons and then fission, releasing energy. Fissile materials are essential for nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons due to their capacity to maintain a chain reaction.

Characteristics of these Materials

• This type of materials can absorb a thermal neutron.
• After absorbing then it is split into two smaller nuclei.
• The critical mass is the lowest amount of fissile material needed to sustain a chain reaction.

Examples of Fissile Materials

Here are some examples of this type of material –

• Uranium 235 (U 235): It is found in natural uranium (about 0.7% of natural uranium).
• Plutonium 239 (Pu 239): It is produced from Uranium 238 through neutron capture.
• Uranium 233 (U 233): It is produced from Thorium 232 through neutron capture.

Applications of Fissile Materials

Here are some applications of this type of material –

• These materials like U-235 and Pu-239 are used as fuel in nuclear power plants.
• Used in Nuclear Weapons.
• These materials are also used in research reactors to produce neutrons for scientific research and studies.